Making a Difference in Bloomington: Toys for Tots

What better organization to spotlight at the holidays than one that helps kids enjoy this time of year? Although the Twin Cities Toys for Tots Campaign began in October, it doesn’t end until December 19th so you still have time to help out.

Toys for Tots dates back to 1947 when a lady in Los Angeles made a doll and asked her husband, Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, to take it to an organization that would give it to a needy child. The problem was, Bill couldn’t find such an organization so his wife, Diane, suggested that he start one.

The Major and a group of Marine Reservists collected toys and distributed them that Christmas. The following year the Marine Corps took over the toy drive, took it nationwide and Toys for Tots was born.

Since its inception, Toys for Tots has distributed more than 452 million toys to more than 200 million children. Last year’s Twin Cities Toys for Tots campaign distributed more than 197,315 toys to more than 126,000 children.

They can’t do this without our help. If you have enough to share, whether it’s time, money, skills or new toys, the Toys for Tots local campaign could use your help. You’ll find toy drops at their warehouse in Eagan at 985 Aldrin Dr. but you can also leave your new, unwrapped toy at the following drop off locations: